In this year of turmoil, at least culture is in no danger of default. Our annual survey of all that our critics (and other keen-eyed observers) consumed reveals that pop music is more zippily pop (and popular) than ever; TV is something you can count on to consistently—even intelligently—entertain; and e-books are expanding the possibilities for literature. More encouraging news: Broadway’s happy union with South Park, Spielberg’s Tintin, and the unstoppable rise of Kristen Wiig. Plus: lots of shirtless men in the movies.
- Movies
The Top 10 Films - Spielberg goes to kinetic new heights and Shakespeare by way of The Hurt Locker.
- The best in character-driven comedy (Parks and Recreation, Happy Endings) and nuanced drama (Homeland, The Good Wife).
- Icy chanteuses, avant-garde rappers, and punks made exotic sounds.
- Theater
The Top 10 Productions - A mystery hotel and those singing Mormons!
- Books
Expert Picks - A pack of writers, readers, and book lovers recommend their favorites.
- The Cold War, fifties brushstrokes, and 3-D cave paintings.
- Classical
The Top 10 Performances - Perfect Janácek, Soviet cartoon scores, and alfresco drums.
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